Now, Katie will be taking on the 26-mile challenge on April 22 to raise vital funds for the British Lung Foundation, a charity close to her heart.

Since her mum’s shock diagnosis, the TV star and the Price family have come together to raise awareness of a disease many have never heard of and to tackle IPF head on.

IPF is a condition that causes progressive scarring of the lungs making it more difficult to breathe. Sadly, there is no cure yet for IPF. Almost half of patients living with the condition will not survive for more than three years after diagnosis.

Speaking about her decision to take on the challenge, Katie, who has spoken openly about her mum’s condition, said: “My mum means the world to me and the news of her diagnosis was a huge shock.

“I am proud to be running the London marathon to raise awareness and vital funds for the British Lung Foundation. One in five people in the UK are affected by lung disease and millions more are at risk.

“Running 26 miles may seem like a big challenge, but it is nothing compared to what my mum and others living with IPF and other lung conditions go through every day”.

Katie hopes her marathon efforts will increase awareness of lung disease and help the BLF raise vital funds specifically into IPF research and support.

Her mum revealed she was “proud” of her daughter, saying: “It took far too long for my diagnosis to be confirmed as IPF, in fact it was over five years of going backwards and forwards to different doctors. Awareness of IPF is vital.

“Many people have never heard of the condition until they are diagnosed with it. This needs to change. I am so proud of Katie and her fundraising effort.”

Katie previously completed the marathon in 2009 alongside then husband Peter Andre, but pulled out in 2010 and 2011 due to a knee injury.